A/N: Hi everyone! Red here. So this is chapter one of my new story and I hope you guys like it.

Russian dialogue notes can be found on the bottom.

Ivan paced around his lab, running a hand through his hair as he waited for the computer to finish its latest calculations. He was on a deadline and the white walls irritated him to no end when he was waiting, making time feel like it was dragging on. The windowless room skewed all sense of time as it was and Ivan's superiors refused to put clocks in the labs out of fear that the scientists would spend more time watching the clock than working.

Ivan wished that they would let those notions go and install at least one window in his lab. It was cramped and closed off and as far as he was concerned, a little sunlight and warmth may actually do him some good. Sunlight was a good stimulant for the mind; one of his favourite things to do was spend some time outside on those rare occasions he wasn't tied down to his job.

With any luck, this test's results would produce more favourable results and he could be tasked with a different assignment. His last two tests did not yield the desired results. It got the job done to an extent, but his superiors were still not pleased. They wanted something bigger, stronger, more fearsome.

And so Ivan was sent back to R&D and after months of calculations and trials, he came up with another plausible prototype. It was protocol for all prototypes to be put through rigourous simulation experiments before any more funds were expended on creating the final product. Money was tight as it was, despite weapons and research being the most heavily funded department in the country. If the simulation results were to his bosses' liking, the project would be approved and created. Ivan spent the last hour inputting the data to the program, careful to make sure that all his changes were recorded accordingly; even the smallest deviation could make a big impact on the results.

Numbers, ever-changing, filled the screen, accompanied by other brief quantitative reports of the device's expected performance. They grew and grew in the blink of an eye; exactly what was to be expected. Again Ivan ran a hand through his messy silver hair, half-heartedly trying to smooth it out. He had been cooped up in his lab for the past several days and wanted nothing more for this round of testing to be over so he could return home to his flat. The pacing did little to keep his mind off just how painfully long the process took. He could always predict the outcome of the testing; each time it was essentially the same, save for the numbers varying slightly. Never enough for there to be cause for concern.

Perhaps it was fate that his country couldn't create the massive superweapon they were hoping for. Ivan wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing, but this trial kept him employed and kept whatever food was available on his plate, so he had no real reason to complain.

But there was something about this particular test that didn't sit right with Ivan; he wasn't sure what the results would be this time and it unnerved him.

Sometime during his pacing he discarded the white lab coat that was required for all personnel, carelessly throwing it over the back of his desk chair. His ID card barely clung to the pocket as it hung upside-down, the magnetic stripe visible for all to see instead of Ivan's picture. All members of the staff were required to wear their lab coats and have their ID cards visible at all times—their facility dealt with top-secret information and security was of the utmost importance—but as head scientist, Ivan was occasionally able to get away with going without it, especially in the solitude of his own lab. He also talked his superiors into allowing him to continue wearing his favourite scarf; protocol said that only the standard uniform was to be worn in the lab, but his demands were simple: either they allow him to wear his scarf or he would walk out the front door.

Ivan's violet eyes were unreadable as he made his demands, leaving his superiors with no way of knowing whether or not the large man was bluffing or not. Did they really want to lose a scientist of his caliber over a silly piece of fabric? "What harm could a scarf do?" they decided, not wanting to risk it, and Ivan happily agreed to continue working with them.

There were times when Ivan missed his old partner, he realised as the small pang of loneliness struck, but his superiors wouldn't budge from their decision to keep him isolated. It was more efficient, they figured, to have Ivan work alone rather than with a partner. There was also a mention of safety in that, but over what he couldn't quite remember. He shook his head and sighed. He rather liked him; the timid brunet was awfully cute… Just where had he been transferred to?

But what they said went and Ivan had no choice but to comply. He pushed his luck as it was and he was afraid to find out just where the breaking point lay.

He walked back over towards the terminal to check on the progress, idly playing with his scarf tails. It gave him something to do and he would take whatever he could get. The simulation was still running, much to his dismay. Ivan watched the simulated footage and the numbers climbing like they always did, knowing he was working himself up over nothing. But no matter how many times he repeated that in his head in an attempt to reassure himself, the feeling of dread wouldn't leave him. It wouldn't be until he had the final printed report in his hand that he could rest easy again.

Just any second now…

He jumped as the program announced its completion to the tune of high-pitched chirps and whistles. Letting his scarf tails fall back against his body, he grabbed the mouse to pull up the in-depth details, yawning a bit. This was all so routine for him now that it was tiring.

And it was as if the universe knew that and was determined to shake up Ivan's world.

The screen flashed red and a yellow and black striped box appeared in the centre of the screen, demanding his attention. Violet eyes widened as he stared, rereading the thick letters until they finally clicked in his brain.

Совершение уничтожение неизбежно

Ivan couldn't print the report fast enough. He read every detail with the utmost scrutiny; had he really changed that much from the last trial to cause such a different end result this time? No, that was impossible… He was positive it was only a few little things.

He read it a second time just to be sure. Then a third time in hopes his eyes were just playing tricks on him. Long nights in the lab could often drive a person to insanity if they weren't careful and Ivan was no stranger to the harsh effects of long days and little sleep. The incident several months ago was never mentioned again, but several days of straight work with his partner pushed Ivan to the brink of his mental sanity and his frustration at the project manifested itself in the form of violence. He pulled a metal pipe off of one of their workstations and threatened the small brunet. It took a team of his coworkers to finally calm the large Russian down and get his partner medical attention for the severe head trauma he suffered.

That incident, like so many others that occurred during these times, was quickly covered up and swept under the rug, never to be spoken about again. The other members had heard rumours of Ivan's violent tendencies, but it was never confirmed by him or any of the superiors. Hiding behind his trademark smile left the others guessing and that was just how he liked it.

But this was no trick; that was made perfectly clear as he finished his third read-through, the information never changing in the slightest. This was far from an exhaustion-induced hallucination or a misread file. The danger this time was far more incredible than he had yet to see and there was only one thought on his mind.

Nobody could know. This data had never existed and he couldn't go on like this. Ivan had to disappear and he had to take this information with him.

His heart raced as he heard the familiar click of the external keypad. It chirped a small tune in acceptance of a keycard and Ivan knew he had to move now. Somebody was coming in and there was only one person who ever came to check on his progress.

The last person Ivan ever wanted to find out about the existence of such information.

His fingers flew at the keyboard faster than they ever had before. The warning message disappeared almost instantly and the deletion progression bar appeared on the screen in its place as the door slid open. He chanced a glance over his shoulder and immediately regretted it; his superior was walking in and his lack of proper attire was the least of his worries.

Ivan cursed up a storm in his mind as the deletion of the files dragged on, not caring that Ivan's health and well-being were on the line. If he was caught tampering with or trying to conceal data, at the very least he would find himself in jail. There would be no trial, no right of due process, nothing. And he would never be heard from again; his sisters would be worried sick with no way of knowing. He couldn't do that to them.

Fast as lightning, he shoved the reports into the small desk drawer, not caring that everything inside clattered as he pulled it open and slammed it shut. With any luck, he was too far away to hear or would assume he was just looking for a pencil. Thankfully the man continued walking casually toward Ivan, either not noticing or not letting on that he did. Ivan ran his fingers over the soft fabric of his scarf, watching the screen intently.

92%...93%...

If it continued this way, it would be all over for him. His superior was only a few metres away now and Ivan breathed a sigh of relief when the box disappeared and the files were permanently deleted. It was a huge weight off his shoulders, but he wasn't out of the woods just yet. It didn't matter which one was selected at this point; he needed some kind of results to show to his boss. He randomly selected a set of results—this one happened to be from two weeks ago—and loaded them, blocking the screen with his shoulders as he turned to greet his superior.

"Good evening," Ivan said politely, meeting his superior's eyes. He made sure to keep his voice even despite the pounding of his heart.

"Out of uniform again, Ivan?" he said, looking at the now wrinkled lab coat hanging off the chair.

"I find it restricting when I work; I prefer my normal clothes. I did not think it would be a problem in my own lab."

"It's still protocol, Ivan. How would it look if I showed you preferential treatment and not the others?"

Ivan chuckled. "When they are given the title of head scientist, then they can have several liberties too, da?" Lying came easier to Ivan than most; he could keep his voice calm in even the most desperate of situations and give nothing away in those violet orbs. It was a very valuable tool to have, especially in situations like this.

And it seemed to be working as far as he could tell. "You are to put it on the second you exit this room." Ivan nodded. "As I'm sure you're aware of, I didn't come here to chat. Do you have the results of the latest simulation?"

Ivan's heart hammered in his chest and he hoped that the man couldn't hear just how loud it was. He stayed quiet for a moment, not daring to look over his shoulder for fear of being suspicious. If he looked, his superior might suspect something was off; there was no reason for him to double-check the results. Finally he stood, not taking his eyes off the man as he moved away from the computer. The dark-haired man pushed his thin wire-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose and took a seat without a word.

The room sat in silence, neither man saying a word for the next several minutes. Ivan idly played with his scarf tails as he waited, looking over his boss' shoulder at the screen to make sure everything checked out. His boss gave an occasional head nod as he reached the part of the report that measured destructive capabilities, but save for that, Ivan had no idea what the man was thinking.

Had he been figured out? No, impossible. The results checked out and there was no way for him to know they were recycled. He gave nothing away; no awkward twitch or refusal to answer a question. Everything happened as it always did. He didn't know, Ivan reassured himself, eyes quickly flicking to the drawer where he stashed the printed report. It was more than slightly unnerving to have his superior so close to the very information he wanted to keep secret.

His mind began to race with plans for what would happen if he decided to look through his desk. Ivan couldn't stop him; he had final say. If he wanted to look through the desk, he got to look through the desk, no questions asked. But would there be something Ivan could say to change his mind? If he changed the subject quickly enough, was it possible for the boss to forget?

Or maybe he could resort to violence… Ivan was strong; much stronger than the others that worked with him. His strong build compared to the tiny frame of his superior made it obvious who the victor would be. He could easily knock him out, steal the folder back and disappear without a trace. The metal pipe was always in reach; it was dangerous to blindly put your trust in anybody these days, especially when tensions were so high and even looking at anybody the wrong way could land you on a one-way train ride to your death.

"Your results are impressive as always, Ivan," he said, finally speaking after what seemed like an eternity of silence. Ivan let out a breath he didn't realise he was holding and smiled his usual smile. "This isn't quite what I asked of you, but it still holds good destructive capability. Keep up the good work." His boss stood, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose and nodded at Ivan. "I will return in a few days to see your next round of tests; I trust you won't disappoint."

"Of course, sir. You know I would never do that." His smile grew a little wider as the boss stepped away from his desk, putting more distance between him and the very document he was trying to hide. "You will be most pleased next time."

"I have no doubt," he said, heading for the door again. "And do see to it you wear your lab coat; it's getting tiresome to have to keep telling you."

Ivan chuckled and picked it up off the chair, slipping it on to appease his boss. "Is this better, sir?"

His boss didn't turn around, only set the door to close again and stepped out. When the door clicked shut, Ivan gave it a few moments to be safe before laughing. That went better than he could have even imagined! All that was left to do was pack up and get in touch with a man who could help him. The two weren't exactly friends, but he knew that he would help him if he really needed it. That and with enough money; it didn't matter where in the world a person was. Money always spoke volumes.

Ivan checked the time on his mobile. His day was just about over and if he hurried, he could have everything in order by the end of the day. Waiting around for another day was just too dangerous. Deleting the files from the computer didn't guarantee his safety. He wanted to make the phone call right now, but making that type of phone call somewhere where they would be able to find out if they were really looking would not be a smart move.

He quickly pulled out the folder, grabbing a paper clip to keep it shut and stuffed it in his bag, followed by his notepad and lab coat. A quick visual sweep of the lab told him everything looked good and in place and he smiled as he put on his favourite thick beige coat. Just one last quick run-through to make sure he really deleted the files…

There was no trace of it left on the computer and he was out the door within the minute, ID in hand.

Security gave him no hassle as he swiped out for the day, giving him their usual "Good day, Mr. Braginsky."

Cars whizzed past him on the street, paying little mind to other drivers or the occasional onlooker. Ivan watched them fly down the roads, wondering where they could be off to in such a hurry. Not many people spared the drivers a passing glance, but he liked to watch them drive by. Ivan was one of many who didn't have a car. Not for the fact he didn't have money; he could afford one if he really wanted, but he found it much easier to walk everywhere. Public transportation was always an option and it was cheaper in the long run. His older sister had taught him to drive several years ago, but she took the car they had when she was assigned her job and had to move away. He missed her, but he was glad she had a job.

When he was safely hidden among the crowd of people who couldn't be bothered to listen to his conversation, he pulled out his mobile, dialing the number of the man he hoped would help him. Ivan met this man at university; he was very skilled with computers, able to get away with nearly anything. He could hack, falsify documents, be the world's greatest criminal if he so chose. But he was a good guy at the end of the day; didn't have it in him to do anything that wasn't to help somebody else. How he managed to get away with it all was a mystery; he had a knack for evading trouble, it seemed. If he would just pick up…

"Hello?" Ivan beamed, some of the dread he was feeling instantly dissipating.

"I am in need of your help…"

There was a slight pause. "With what, exactly?"

"I cannot say right now… But I need to disappear."

Ivan ran his thumb over the fabric of his scarf with his free hand as he waited for the answer. Everything was riding on the next few seconds; the words he heard through the receiver would decide Ivan's fate. Today was single-handedly the most nerve-wracking day of Ivan's life and all he wanted was good news to break the chain of events that was unfolding.

"You understand what you're asking of me, right? What it means for you if this doesn't work out?"

"Da, I understand," he answered without hesitating, set in his resolve.

A sigh came from the other end. "You know where to find me. I expect details about what has you ready to up and abandon your country like this. Also know this will be quite the expensive task."

"I will be there shortly and I will pay whatever you are asking."

"See you then." A click and the line went dead.

He couldn't contain his happiness as he stuffed the phone back into his pocket. A grin spread out over his face that he couldn't get rid of no matter what he tried. His thoughts just kept going back to the same thing. He agreed, he was going to meet him now, and by tomorrow he would be safe in another country. It was a gamble, but he knew exactly where he wanted to go…

There was a spring in Ivan's step as he hurried to the flat just outside the centre of Moscow and was buzzed up to the top floor. He opened the door slowly, keeping his bag pressed tightly against him just in case. "Come in," he said as Ivan knocked and the large man entered slowly, not surprised to find the other seated in front of his computer, the screen reflected off his glasses.

"Eduard. It has been a while." Eduard glanced over from his screen, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose until Ivan could see his blue eyes sparkling behind the lenses. The smaller man didn't smile or stand, just simply nodded him over.

"I didn't actually think we'd be meeting again after university, Ivan. I had to give it serious consideration, but if you're that desperate, I figured I had to help you and at least hear what's got you so spooked."

Ivan walked up to him, pulling over a chair and putting his bag on his lap. "Thank you for agreeing to help. This is very important…" Eduard turned his chair to face Ivan, his face serious. "Russia cannot go on like this, Eduard."

He scoffed. "You're telling me. I can't even go back home because of everything that's going on. I want to be back in Estonia with my friends and family speaking my native language. Not working at that damn job they have me chained to."

"Tensions are high and we are all walking on eggshells… Everybody is so afraid to do something wrong because of the punishments…" His hands closed tightly around his bag. Eduard watched the large Russian intently. "Will America attack us? Will we attack America? Eduard, if they get this, it is all over…" Ivan sighed and opened the old grey bag, pulling out the folder and tossing it onto the desk beside Eduard. "There will be nothing left."

Eduard picked it up tentatively and set the paper clip down, flipping it open. Ivan looked down at his hands, not saying a word as the smaller man read over the documents, blue eyes widening. "T-This is…"

Ivan nodded. "Da. This is absolutely the tide-changer they are looking for to secure their position. And you understand that I cannot give it to them. I have deleted all records of the existence of these results from the lab and we are currently the only ones who know."

"I didn't think a bomb of this calibre was even possible… Figures it'd be you to come up with something like this, Ivan."

Ivan blinked, tilting his head. "What do you mean by that?"

Eduard shook his head and sighed, setting the folder down. "Never mind… In any case, I see why you want to get out of here. You're sure this is the only copy?"

"Da. I printed it myself, so I am certain."

That eased Eduard's nerves considerably. If no one else knew, there was no cause for alarm. Once Ivan and that folder were on the plane, it would be as if it never existed and there would be nothing to link any of this back to him. "Alright, Ivan. Let's get to work."

Ivan followed the blond with his eyes as Eduard rose from his chair, headed towards the back of the flat. "Are you coming or what?" He jumped from his seat and left the bag on the computer desk, catching up with a few strides.

"Do you know where you want to go?" Ivan was led into a room that could have been a thief's paradise. A credit card machine on one table, a grey sheet hanging from the ceiling to mimic that where passport photos were taken and a plethora of other tools Ivan had never seen before. Eduard sat down at another desk and opened a drawer; inside were passports and documents from dozens of other countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Sweden…

Ivan nodded and answered without a moment's hesitation. "America."

Eduard just stared up at him. "America? You're defecting to enemy territory? Think about what it'll mean if they catch you, Ivan."

"They are not going to." He eyed the deep blue passport in Eduard's drawer, eager to get his hands on it. "I have also given this careful consideration. This way I will be safe. America is, as they say, the land of freedom. I will be protected."

Eduard could sit there for the next hour and give Ivan straight facts about why that was a terrible idea, but in the end he would be speaking only for his health. Ivan's mind was made up and there was little he could do to change it. All his well-informed facts and evidence would simply be wasted on the silver-haired Russian. "Just don't forget that they feel the same way about Russians that we do about Americans…"

He pulled the blank American passport out and opened a program on the nearby computer. "If you're going to America, you need a new identity. 'Ivan Braginsky' isn't going to cut it over there. The name's got to change." He opened the deeper drawer of his desk, the old, rusted metal groaning in protest as he fished around for another set of papers. "Aha!"

Ivan blinked as he slammed the new papers onto the desk, tilting his head curiously as he looked at them. He didn't understand a single word that was written on it; it was all in English. "A new name…? What would I even pick?"

Eduard shrugged. "Jim? Robert? Max?" Ivan shook his head at each of them. He didn't like the way any of them sounded. Growing up here and being accustomed to names that were common here made it difficult for him to pick one that just sounded right. It also didn't help that he shot down every single one before really considering it.

"Alex?"

Ivan tapped his chin in thought, giving it careful consideration. It sounded close enough to a name that could be Russian in origin but still passed off as an acceptable American name. "Da. Alex will work."

Eduard nodded and quickly typed it in before Ivan could change his mind. "Now for the surname… I don't know much about American surnames, so let's see what we can find online that may work." Ivan leaned in as Eduard opened the browser, doing a quick search on American names. They read through a long list, stealing glances at each other over just how strange some of them sounded. Eventually they decided to pick one at random, scrolling through the list until the cursor landed on "White."

"So your new name is Alex White," Eduard said matter-of-factly, typing in the surname. He used all of Ivan's real information for the rest; his birthdate, height, eye colour, and other pertinent information the passport required.

"Alex…White…?" Ivan tried it out, not liking the way it sounded when he said it.

"It's too late to change it and I think it's fine. Where in America do you want to be from?"

"New York is really the only place I know of," Ivan said simply. "Does that work?"

Eduard nodded. "That's fine." After making sure all the information was written correctly, he shoved the blank passport into the machine, loading it up. "Now all we need to do is take a photo of you for it and we can fill out the rest. You're going to need a social security number and all that."

Ivan nodded and let the small blond lead him towards the screen. "For what?" He stood straight and looked at the camera, making sure not to flinch as the light went off.

"Security and work and stuff." He plugged the camera into the computer and loaded the image, attaching it to the template. "And now…" All the information was sent to the printer and he handed it to Ivan mere minutes later.

"So this is…" Eduard was typing away at his keyboard, but Ivan didn't look over to see what he was looking at this time. He marveled at the passport in his hands. This was it. His ticket out of here, to a new life, to everything he needed right now. This was really happening and Ivan couldn't be more grateful to the blond.

Another paper came out of the printer, capturing Ivan's attention. "Here." Eduard thrust the sheet at the surprised Russian who took it carefully.

"What is…?" His eyes flickered over the paper.

"Your flight itinerary. You leave tomorrow. I'd hurry if I were you, Alex. Grab only what you'll need to survive and don't miss that flight." It took him a minute to connect that Alex was referring to him. He would have to keep calling himself that in his head for it to stick. "It's not going to be easy. Just remember that whatever happens after you leave this building is all up to you. I don't know if they're going to find you, but you have to assume they will. And don't slip up and go off revealing that you're Russian, you get me?"

Ivan nodded, the same happy grin from earlier on his face. "Thank you, Eduard! This means so much to me!" In a moment of euphoria, he pulled the small blond against his chest in a tight hug and released him as soon as he spluttered and tried to push him away.

He walked into the main room again with Eduard and the latter followed him to the door as he stuffed everything back into his bag, making sure to leave his Russian passport here. Eduard stood in the doorway as Ivan started downstairs, a smirk on his face.

"Oh, and good luck learning English!"

Совершение уничтожение неизбежно: Complete destruction is inevitable.

Let me know what you guys think! :3